66 “The Christian economy, therefore,
since it is the new and definitive Covenant, will never pass away; and
no new public revelation is to be expected before the glorious
manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ." (DV 4: cf. 1Tim6:14;
Titus2:13)” Yet even if Revelation is already complete, it has not been
made completely explicit; it remains for Christian faith gradually to
grasp its full significance over the course of the centuries.67
“Throughout the ages, there have been so-called `private' revelations,
some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They
do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith. It is not their role
to improve or complete Christ's definitive Revelation, but to help live
more fully by it in a certain period of history. Guided by the
magisterium of the Church, the "sensus fidelium" knows how to discern
and welcome in these revelations whatever constitutes an authentic call
of Christ or his saints to the Church. ” Christian
faith cannot accept `revelations' that claim to surpass or correct the
Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment, as is the case in
certain non-Christian religions and also in certain recent sects which
base themselves on such revelations. Catechism
of the Catholic Church Second Edition

Public divine revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle, St.
John. The Church is still studying and meditating what Revelations have
been handed her from God through the Sacred Scripture and Tradition.
Deeper insights into God's Word thus progresses. While private
revelations can help us see what is already in Scripture and the
traditional teachings of the Church any private revelation is never the
source of our divine faith.

With the multiplicity of reported private revelations and locutions so
widespread in the world at the present time it is difficult for people
to know which, if any, can be trusted. It must, of course be said, that
all we need to know and believe and practice is already contained in
the Scriptures and Magisterial teachings of the Church. No one is
obliged to believe private revelations, even those approved by the
Church as worthy of human faith.

The basic motive of all faith is the authority of the one who is
speaking. It is known as divine faith when the one believed is God. It
known as human faith when the persons believed are human beings. Divine
faith then is the assent of the mind to what God has revealed and is
distinct from human faith, which is the acceptance of the word of a
human being. As sincere Catholics we must have divine faith in all that
is contained in the Word of God which makes up the Sacred Scriptures of
both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

A dogma of faith is a doctrine taught by the Church to be believed by
all the faithful as part of divine revelation. Those who consider
themselves sincere Catholics must accept as formally revealed truths
dogmas which have been promulgated as such by the Church. Dogmas of
faith are revealed either in Sacred Scripture or Tradition, either
explicitly, such as the Incarnation, the Word made flesh, or
implicitly, such as the bodily Assumption of Our Blessed Mother into
heaven.

It goes without saying then that the messages of Little Mary do not
fall under divine faith except insofar as they may contain what is
already in Sacred Scripture or the dogmatically defined revelations of
Jesus Christ. One could be a good Catholic who did not believe the
source of the messages even of Guadalupe, Lourdes or Fatima to be
supernatural in origin. We may put human faith in their origin.

As one who has studied Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima and some other
private revelations approved by the Church as worthy of human faith, it
would seem to me rather foolish if one is well informed on these
sources and their messages and still would not accept them.Yet, it
would be the privilege of a sincere Catholic not to accept as of
supernatural origin that which is not solemnly required in divine faith
by the Church if one were not humanly convinced.

The simplest and surest way to recognize whether phenomena are
supernatural, and not natural or preternatural phenomena, would be
humility on the part of the person, obedience to Church authority, and,
of course, that the fruits of the supernatural gifts are having good
effects. The effects would refer both to the person with the charism,
and especially others, for a charism is for others. So the surest way
to test authenticity is the character of the person who receives the
messages and whether good fruit is the result.

It is even possible that the devil can be speaking through a person who
manifests signs or presents messages that cause wonderment in others.

What is meant by preternatural? It is that which is beyond the natural
but is not strictly supernatural. It is either because natural forces
are used by God to produce effects beyond their native capacity, or
because above-human forces, angelic or demonic, are active in the world
of space and time. This means that it is possible in the spiritual
world for phenomenon to be of evil spirits.

It is important then to determine the effects.

Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets
who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or
figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad
tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a
bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is
cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their
fruits" (Mt 7:15-20).

The greatest temptation is pride. There have been genuine mystics who
eventually have fallen victim to pride. Thus they can betray the grace
of God and not bear the fruit that originally was intended.

It would seem this is why Lucia of Fatima remained upon the earth for
so many years, even remaining close to 90 more years on earth [as this
commentary is written] after the 1917 revelations when she was already
then 10 years old. Lucia remaining upon earth for so many years was not
only to fulfill her mission given, that she remain upon earth for years
to spread devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but her presence
and prudence in general, with obedience, has confirmed the genuiness of
her mission. She has remained humble. She has in fact often been
humbled. She has not lost her balance. What is needed in the studying
of persons who are instruments of God in performing miracles is the
character of the person who is used and the effects.

It is wise in the case of persons seeming to possess unusual phenomena
which seem to be supernatural that, for the record, all be put on
paper. I once heard the theological advisor to the Fatima Family
Apostolate advise that when such phenomena seems evident to put all on
paper. In the case of Little Mary heaven has asked her to write the
messages, even dictating them. This is what Sister Josefa Menendez
experienced in the early 1920's.

Writing is a duty to persons who have been given a special mission.
Remember Our Blessed Lady instructed Lucia to learn how to read. This
was also that she would learn how to write, as she was later put under
obedience by her bishop to do so more than once.The Memoirs of Sister
Lucia became a classic in spirituality already in her own life time.

Jesus Christ Himself did not write. Others wrote for Him, under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in the case of the canonical texts of
the Bible. God decided that there would be the Scriptures we know today
as the Bible. For a long time there were no scriptures. Then, Abraham
became the father of the chosen people. He was chosen by God. God being
all wise decided there must be a record for the people of what He had
said and done. That's how the Bible began. Judaism and Christianity are
the only two religions who have written records which are historically
verifiable. Mohammed was a dreamer but not of the kind in Scripture
where God uses dreams. The Koran, which is the Moslem Bible, is not
factual.

The importance of writing, in the case of one who is supposedly
receiving messages or being used in a supernatural way, is not only
that there be a record for the good of others, but also, in the case of
those whose experiences are not supernatural, but only natural or
preternatural, the record can eventually assist in determining the
falsehood. Where there are records which show frequent contradictions,
statements contrary to the Sacred Scriptures and dogmas of faith,
drawing attention primarily to oneself, and evidence of bad fruits, all
this will be on record too, but not for authenticity of things of a
genuine supernatural character. Admittedly, the one keeping the records
must be authentic, sincere in heart, truthful.

The author of this article on private
revelations has exercised his priesthood for near 50 years at the time
this is written. He has been engaged in Apostolates which have become
international. Being also active in the Catholic media, more than a few
cases of reported heavenly messages have come to his attention. What I
have learned from frequent exposure to reported private revelations
among other things is this: If a work is of God and is producing good
fruit, good effects, one can also expect sufferings and attempts to
destroy the good effects. The devil is never happy when souls are being
converted and coming to Jesus Christ through the Sacraments of
Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.

I have also learned that often well-intended people with reported
messages from supposed supernatural sources, however sincere they may
be, are too often under deceptions, not making proper distinctions, and
not under proper spiritual direction and guidance. The Church in her
wisdom knows well the need to be cautious and how often reported
apparitions and seemingly supernatural phenomena eventually prove to be
something else.

On the other hand, we can see in history, especially during the past
century of the Marian Era, that even at times, religious leaders as
least at first, in great caution which in itself is praiseworthy, have
tried to suppress the messages. This has been true especially when
Church authorities have been misinformed. I personally know more than
one mystic, in this country and abroad, who at first received silent
response from the higher Church authorities, but then mistrust from
some local priests, sometimes for motives not the most pure. At a later
time authenticity was established as worthy of human faith.

Often it has been lack of sufficient communication, misinformation
given authorities, etc. which cause concern. The Church more than once
has had to reverse itself on decisions about private revelations and
persons when authorities received more reliable information, and made
more thorough study.

The Church had to reverse itself regarding Saint Padre Pio during his
early years of suffering the stigmata. Even the Vatican imposed
obedience on him not to meet the public or celebrate the Sacrifice of
the Mass publicly. Over emotional reactions from some of the faithful
hindered the mission given him and sent a false message about Padre Pio
to the Vatican.

In the case of Saint Faustina, the apostle or secretary of Divine
Mercy, poor and incorrect translations from the Polish of her writings
into various languages hindered the Church's study. Such were the cause
of many years of having Saint Faustina's now classic writings on Divine
Mercy placed under a blanket of censure for many years. It was Carol
Cardinal Wojtyla, (Pope John Paul II) who as Archbishop of Krakow, was
able to inform the Vatican correctly. He has seen fit as Pope to teach
much about Divine Mercy, obviously inspired greatly by Saint Faustina.
In August of 2002 he dedicated an International Shrine to Divine Mercy
on the grounds where Sister Faustina lived as a nun.

Am I asking that you believe that the source of Little Mary's messages
are authentic and that she is a true mystic? No. I am not. I am sharing
with you the record I've been keeping of one I've known the past few
years and have studied messages from years before I became personally
acquainted. The past few years, several times a week, I've been in
conversation with her to encourage her. I've discovered the great
sufferings she undergoes which are known to few and which some in
responsible positions have not yet taken the time or had to occasion or
interest to investigate. Her sufferings, I believe, could only be bore
with special divine help.

I've been on pilgrimages with Little Mary, given a retreat at which she
was present. I've worked consciously to be honest in reporting, not
reporting many things that would duplicate or not be of particular
value beyond which is already on record.

The reader can decide for him/herself whether he or she desires to
accept what I see as appearing authentic. The messages have already
helped hundreds, indeed thousands of people in a positive way.My
judgement is not a judgment on behalf of the Church. It is as I have
perceived things myself during the past years.

If some desire to say the messages are simply the fruit of Little
Mary's personal meditations, that is their privilege. Then, so long as
they are in harmony with our holy Catholic faith, they should not
resist the diffusion of the messages if they themselves are sincere
Catholics.

Personally, messages given to me by Little Mary, even directed to me
personally at times in the living of my priestly life, I am convinced
she could never have given or known or composed, except with help from
above. But the messages given with precise dates, as often stated, are
for people throughout the world.

Little Mary does not claim to be a special saint. She has her
weaknesses about which I've frequently teased her. She has not wanted
the mission of these messages. She has often been tempted to quit. She
early on, as I became acquainted with her, offered to let me be the one
who receives them. "No way," was my response. "I'd never get my work
done, especially with all the suffering that must go with being such a
messenger."

I and her more official spiritual advisor repeatedly have had to work
to give her courage to continue, especially when diabolic attacks were
in evidence. I have not seen her wanting notoriety. I've seen her
desiring to hide. You are not asked to believe these messages as a part
of Catholic faith, certainly not "divine" faith. If you care to put
human faith, which is distinct from divine faith, in what is contained
in the messages, that is your choice. But there is no responsibility to
believe the contents even in human faith, unless of course what is said
is already in agreement with the Scriptures and teachings of the
Church, which sources good Catholics accept and strive to live by.

Your responsibility then is to believe by divine faith and practice
what is already contained in the Scriptures and the Magisterial
teachings on faith and morals of the Catholic Church. If the messages
assist you in appreciating better what is in the Sacred Scriptures and
the official teachings and practices of the Church - then I shall
rejoice for such, I believe, is the purpose of the messages.

If you don't believe these messages are of supernatural origin, then
perhaps you will want to read thier content as you would a novel.
Novels of a spiritual kind have been known to touch many souls, for
they have often drawn for their sources the truths of the scriptures
and the teachings of the Church.

The opinion of this author is that Little Mary is authentic in giving
us the messages. But that is only my educated position after much
thorough investigation and hundreds of interviews with Little Mary and
reading of countless numbers of messages.

I look to the fruits. I am aware of hundreds of souls drawn closer to
Jesus Christ and His Sacraments through the prayers and activates of
Little Mary and her messages from the Heart of Our Mother. I am aware
of marriages healed, of souls which have returned to the Sacraments
after many years, once they came into contact with these messages.

I am reminded here much as I have been with the case of "Francis" who
bears the bleeding wound marks in his hands and his life and mission as
I wrote of in the book titled: "FRANCIS".

I am well aware of the plethora of reported apparitions and messages
today claiming to be supernatural. I admit to discounting most, as
sufficient evidence is unavailable. I remain neutral to some, and
totally reject others which lack the ring of authenticity and too often
lack a spirit of humility and obedience.

If you know the teachings of the Church, I think you will agree that in
a most simple and motherly way the messages reported here aid us in
knowing and living in a practical way much of what is in public
revelation. We will then not be indifferent to the role God assigns to
private revelation in the life of the Church.

Little Mary has a real perception by her external senses. It seems a
real acoustical vibration is produced in her ears. She hears our
Blessed Mother, sometimes Jesus. She tells me this happens as clearly
as she hears me when I am talking to her by phone.

Can we act upon these messages? Certainly, a person may act upon these
messages if one observes that they contain nothing contrary to faith
and morals and that they help bring one closer to God.

Have there been signs? I have received written testimonies from people
who have received physical healings after Little Mary prayed over them.
I have received one even from a doctor whose four year old child was
serious but when they arrived at Mayo clinic in Rochester for
treatment, all symptoms of the problem had disappeared. I personally
know a woman whose child would soon have been born dead except for the
message given Little Mary to relay to the mother of this unborn child
that her unborn child was in deep trouble and seek the help of doctors
immediately. After the child was born the mother gave me a long and
detailed account.

The world is in turmoil. The family is in crisis. Many souls are being
lost. The Church itself is in crisis even though Jesus has promised it
can never totally be destroyed. People are confused by some who should
teach the fullness of the Gospel but misrepresent the true faith and
morals of Catholicism. Some who do not explicitly misrepresent rather
ignore or are silent on matters of faith and morals which need to be
taught. Thus our heavenly Mother comes with messages pleading for faith
in the full Gospel and a living of the full Gospel.

I have long been a professional Catholic writer, with all my own
personal weaknesses and failings. Having written more than 50 books and
thousands of articles, still, I would not be able to write the messages
day after day which Little Mary receives and writes as they are
dictated to her. I could not express such calls for living the Gospel,
our Catholic faith, so simply, so pointedly, so meaningfully for the
average person so that the Heart of Our Mother touches the hearts of
her children. Knowing Little Mary well, I know that she too is
incapable of composing these messages on her own. They flow. At times
they seem almost poetic. I believe they harmonize with Scripture and
the Magisterial teachings. Often the content is the same as that of
Scripture without Little Mary even realizing it until I point out the
message is the same as the Gospel.

May you discover the Heart of Jesus through the Heart of His Mother as
you read the contents of these messages.

The above is COPYRIGHT 2003 and is reprinted here with the permission
of the Author.

Fatima Family
Apostolate is dedicated to the sanctification of the family and the
individual through spreading the Fatima message. A non-profit
Catholic missionary apostolate specializing in the publishing and
distribution of Catholic books
designed to aid Catholics on their journey towards
heaven. The Fatima Family Apostolate was started at the
encouragement of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and is endorsed
by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family. It is now an
international Apostolate, having members all over the world and
publishes a 52-page quarterly
magazine called the Immaculate
Heart Messenger.

You
don't have to
believe that Little Mary is really speaking to Jesus and Mary to
find in this book a huge amount of insight and a perspective on reality
worthy of serious consideration.

These
messages with
the Mother of Godhas turned
out to be a splendid work of
spiritual
discussion and
challenges us in our secular society to rethink and reflect on and to
live
a life of virtue. This is a great book for building up a new
personal relationship with Jesus and his Blessed Mother one
day at a time.

Fr. Fox does a very nice explantion of these messages and how they flow
with the Gospels and the Fatima messages.

Little Mary receives
no royalties or income for the
sales of these books